The Muppets
The Muppets have been an enduring part of many childhoods. They made a big impact on mine as Jim Henson’s puppet creations captured my imagination with their antics on The Muppet Show. Their various films have been just as good with this latest their first for many years. Like an old friend you haven’t seen for some-time it’s a pleasure being reacquainted with these zany and always entertaining characters.
A long-time fan of the Muppets, Walter decides to visit their famed Los Angeles studios. Taking his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams), Walter receives a shock when he discovers it has been sold to evil oil magnate Tex (Chris Cooper). Wanting to save it from destruction Walter aims to reunite Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang so they can put on a show and return it to its former glory.
It’s always a relief knowing some child-hood memories remain intact. Thankfully ‘The Muppets’ has been done with a love by film-makers who are obviously huge fans. Referencing many past characters and moments it reveals Kermit and co still nutty after all this time. They are well served by a simple plot allowing each to have their own time in the spotlight. As with any movie aimed at children there are messages herein about acceptance and being different which are delivered in fun style.
Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller deserve credit for their highly droll screenplay. Their knowing humour and sometimes bizarre touches add to a production filled with plenty of genuine good spirit. There isn’t any nastiness and nor are the characters cheapened in any way – most are how you remember them. The musical numbers are great and the creativity displayed in making them stand out re-captures the wacky wit creator Jim Henson worked so hard to establish.
Nostalgia sometimes can be a sweet ride and The Muppets provides a fine journey. A frothy confection and a nice gift for fans, their return is very welcome and should re-capture the child within the most cynical of minds.
Rating out of 10: 8
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Previously filmed as an acclaimed TV adaptation, John Le Carre’s novel ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ has become one of the most well-known espionage thrillers. Resolutely set within the corridors of power than ‘out in the field’ like similar works it is no less enthralling. A fascinating study in the twisting of information it proves a Cold War tale can still intrigue in this welcome cinematic rendition.
After an international incident involving the shooting of a spy in 1973, Deputy Head of British Intelligence George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is forced into retirement. Watching while others climb the ranks of the service due to the discovery of sensitive Soviet documents, he wonders where things went wrong. When allegations surface of a mole amongst Intelligence’s senior ranks, Smiley is bought out of the shadows to unravel a web of deceit years in the making.
Directed with quiet intensity by Tomas Alfredson ‘Tailor’ makes for arresting viewing. Anchored by Oldman’s cool and detached lead with the cinematography photographing events in a bleak greyness these effectively draw you into the era. Although dealing with Cold War shenanigans, it maintains a fresh feel due to some exceptional performances and intricate plot. The fun is in unravelling the various double crosses and the emotional moments between characters help make events relatable to today’s world.
Although only presenting an abridged version of Le Carre’s weighty tome, the elements making his work so memorable are felt. It’s all about the differing personalities in a world run by men rather than guns and action. The words and deceit of traitors can cause more harm than any stray bullet, as everyone discovers. As expected the plot comes very complicated at times however this forces the viewer to fully immerse themselves into proceedings.
Given a fine theatrical outing, ‘Tailor’ should please fans of Le Carre’s work. It also unearths that Cold War tales can still enthral long after its apparent end with spy stories of yore still maintaining engagement.
Rating out of 10: 8